In Memoriam : Gil Noble, acclaimed journalist, dies at 80

Harlem, New York broadcasting legend Gil Noble, producer has died after battling a long illness. Noble was the host of WABC-TV’s groundbreaking public affairs program “Like It Is.”

Born in Harlem on February 22, 1932, Noble spent his life serving the community he loved. Local and national audiences recognized him as a dedicated journalist whose work spotlighted the African American struggle for advancement.

“Gil Noble’s life and work had a profound effect on our society and culture,” said WABC-TV President and General Manager Dave Davis.

“His contributions are a part of history and will be remembered for years to come. Today, our hearts are with Gil’s family his wife Jean and their five children. We thank them for so lovingly sharing him with the world all these years.”

Noble, whose career in television news and programming spanned over five decades, joined WABC-TV as a reporter in July 1967. He was named anchor of the station’s Saturday and Sunday night newscasts in January 1968. Later that year he became host of Like It Is.

Debuting amid the nation’s racial turmoil in the 1960s, “Like It Is” created the largest body of programs and documentaries on African Americans in the country. Noble dedicated long hours of research and investigation to ensure a consistently high quality for the program.

He often said he learned as much doing the show as his viewers did watching it. Noble felt it was his mission to reunite African Americans with the untold stories of their history. He argued that “Like It Is” offered viewers a rare chance to see events through an African American perspective.